Michael Dunne

Michael Dunne is an Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Business & Law, School of Law at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). He has extensive experience in public health research and education, with a primary focus on the social epidemiology of mental disorders and child maltreatment. His work spans multiple countries, particularly in East Asia, where he has developed significant collaborations and advisory roles.

His educational background includes:

• PhD in Experimental Psychology from Murdoch University
• BA (Honors) in Psychology from Murdoch University

Professor Dunne's research focuses on the prevention of violence against children, quality of life in people with chronic disease, and social epidemiological analysis of mental health in East Asian cultures. His work combines rigorous epidemiological methods with practical applications for public health policy. He has made significant contributions to understanding the long-term impacts of child maltreatment on mental and physical health outcomes across the lifespan. His international perspective, particularly on East Asian public health systems, provides valuable insights into culturally-specific approaches to mental health and child protection.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on the Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS), a major NHMRC-funded project surveying 10,000 Australians. These works examine the prevalence, nature, and consequences of child maltreatment across multiple domains including mental health disorders, health risk behaviors, and healthcare service utilization. His research increasingly incorporates international perspectives, particularly from Vietnam, where he examines healthcare access, maternal health for women with disabilities, and substance misuse policies.

Professor Dunne has supervised 51 PhD students, 60% of whom are international, reflecting his global reach in academic mentoring. He currently directs international programs in the QUT School of Public Health and Social Work and serves as Co-Director of the Hue Institute for Community Health Research. His work is supported by significant research funding, including a 5-year NHMRC grant for the child maltreatment study.

He is actively involved with international organizations, having served as an advisor to UNICEF East Asia and Pacific office since 2009, with particular focus on PhD and Masters research training and joint teaching programs in Vietnam. He maintains collaborations with institutions including the Hanoi School of Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, and Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, and is an Honorary Professor at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy in central Vietnam.